UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is the latest politician to test positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus, making the announcement on Friday evening.
Johnson took to Twitter to make the announcement in a short video.
“Hi folks, I want to bring you up to speed with something that’s happening today,” he began the video.
Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus.
I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus.
Together we will beat this. #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/9Te6aFP0Ri
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 27, 2020
Johnson asserts that his symptoms are mild, and he remains able to lead the country while working from home.
The 55-year-old Prime Minister was tested following the advice of the country’s chief medical officer after he developed mild symptoms.
“In keeping with the guidance, the Prime Minister is self-isolating in Downing Street. He is continuing to lead the government’s response to coronavirus,” a Downing St spokeswoman said, according to The Guardian.
He will self-isolate until he is cleared of the virus, likely keeping at a distance from his fiancee, who is currently pregnant with their child.
The news comes after Prince Charles, who is first in line to the throne, tested positive for the COVID-19 virus earlier this week.
The UK currently has more than 11,600 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with a death toll of 578 at the time of publishing.
More to come.
